This week, it’s answers about the thinking that Scientologists do to rationalize such things as disconnection, some thoughts about Teen Challenge and other faith-based addiction programs, more about going exterior in Scientology and a whole lot more. Enjoy!
(1) This is a question that I have wanted to ask you for a long time. An enormous amount of high-profile Scientologists leave. Some speak out and some don’t but those that do are labeled as suppressives, so my question is: considering that at the time these people were the most ethical people on the planet, how did they get so far without Scientology realizing that they were in fact SPs? How did that happen and why was it not discovered? Does that question ever get discussed by those that remain as to why these high up individuals have all of a sudden left ? The people I am talking about are without a doubt the highest echelons of Scientology management.
(2) I was wondering if you could comment with your thoughts on troubled teen programs such as Teen Challenge. Some of these programs seem to be using methods and techniques that are not science or evidence based and end up causing more harm than anything to the people who go through them. In fact I have heard of such horror stories as reenacting the rape or sexual assault that took place as part of the “therapy” or break down/build up process for survivors of those crimes who were residents or patients or whatever. I also heard from a friend that went to Teen Challenge that none of the people she was there with who had alcohol or drug problems are clean now. As an aside do you think any of these might possibly check any of the BITE model boxes?
(3) Hi Chris. Could you explain why Scientologists care so much about ‘going exterior’? It’s not something I would be interested in doing, so I don’t get the appeal. Is it about being invisible + flying? If so, you’ve probably heard about that question ‘Would you rather have the power of flight or invisibility?’ Hubbard is basically covering both bases, isn’t he?
(4) I’ve heard it said, regarding the NXIVM defectors and in general, that there’s a risk of ex-cult members becoming activists too soon, before they’ve dealt with their healing and self-care. Was that your experience at all? If not, why?
(5) If Hubbard were to live and develop Scientology in the 2020s, rather than in the 1950s, do you think he would require electronic recording of auditing sessions? If so, would it be audio or video? If not, why not? More broadly, do you have any thoughts about the effects of technology on the practices of destructive cults? The impact on outward-aimed functions (Internet PR, recruitment via social media, etc.) is clearly visible from the outside, but what about internal functions aimed at the current members? Some future Hubbard could conceivably come up with a God helmet attached directly to an AI… What do you think?
(6) I heard you on the fair game podcast and I never knew that you don’t have a Bachelor’s degree – that’s so surprising because you’re super smart and in graduate school – how can you get a Master’s degree without first earning a Bachelor’s? Are you required to do a thesis? Did you take the GRE or GMAT?
(7) What is the derivation and meaning behind the “Much Love” sign-off that is frequently seen in Scientology correspondence? Is that only used by Sea Org members? By public? It seems incredibly corny outside of a family or true friendship context, and I can’t believe anyone believes it signifies any sincerity (in the true sense). I don’t remember seeing the concept of “Love” used in other Scientology writing.
(8) Which one of the following would you be if you could: 17th century pirate, drug runner for Pablo Escobar, samurai, or king of England during the plague?
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